The morning greetings in Japanese work place

Twice I got the opportunity to work in a Japanese open space and to discover its traditions. I was particularly strucked by the ceremonial – still surviving within modern offices, especially the morning greetings, called “朝 礼” (chourei, “morning bow”).

If I can not speak with certainty for all workplaces in Japan, it is certain that these morning greetings are still common. They bring together either all company members – like schools, or are operated department by department, section by section, before the working day starts.

All the workers participate in the morning greetings assembly !

So what’s going on during a morning greetings ? The first time I was at a loss to understand, and the second time was not better, but I get the idea. Morning greetings can transmit information relating to work, introducing a new employee (to my great misfortune as it happened to me), and other details of the life of the company and its members. Activities can be requested, such as a presentation on a specific topic or free (hitokoto).

The chief of departement, or section, in short, the most important guy in the room draws the attention of everyone. Employees stand up. The leader starts the beginning of morning greetings with date and saying good morning and employees repeat good morning in unison, then bow. After that, the exchange of information can start: there will be a meeting at 10am, Mr X won’t come to the office because of the flu, let’s greet a new employee. If the company has the tradition of hitokoto, then the responsible person starts her speech. When it is over, the leader wishes everyone to do its best today, the assembly bow and goes back to work.

Even at the dentist !

It is an incredible experience, for as long (and painful) than it can be, this ceremonial of morning greetings let us experience this sense of unity, of group life, that cohesion so dear to the Japanese culture.

16 June 2015

15 June 2015

Hi! Welcome to my personal blog. Living in Tokyo since 2013, I work in communication and marketing at GPlusMedia, the company behind GaijinPot, Japan Today and Savyy Tokyo. Happily married to a great (and funny) Japanese guy, I enjoy sharing bits of my life in Japan. I also like to write about Japanese culture, society and language. If you want to read me live, follow me on Twitter. Know More